AFTER losing both his best friend and brother in tragic circumstances, a Taunton man decided to set himself a challenge to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Darren Kneeshaw and friend John Hines have not long returned from a gruelling cycle challenge from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Darren lost his best friend and his brother within the space of 18 months and said he spiralled into depression.

He added: “I was lucky because I had the support of family and friends around me, but not everyone is that lucky.

“We wanted to support Mind TWS both by promoting awareness of what is offered for people in similar positions and by raising funds to support the excellent work of Mind TWS.”

Mind Taunton and West Somerset offer a range of services across Somerset including advocacy, suicide and bereavement support.

Darren confesses to be no cyclist and says that last year he couldn’t even cycle to the village shop.

But after a year of training and the support of family, friends and Crendons Timber Engineering, the company he works for, he and John managed to compete the challenge in seven days.

The pair finished their epic cycle ride on Friday April 29 and have so far managed to raise over £5,000.

Darren added: “The support we’ve had from everyone has just been overwhelming, especially Crendons who have pledged us £1,000.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way or who has donated. It was a lot more challenging than I expected, but it was great.

“Cotford St Luke Primary School and Wiveliscombe Primary School both held non-uniform days to raise money for us and let us come in and tell the students what we were doing.

“Thank you also to Mike Stewart who kept us company the whole way, without him, we wouldn’t have been able to do this.”

Andy Pritchard, CEO of Mind TWS said: “Darren and John have really stood up to the challenge and raised the profile of our work here at Mind TWS.

We know many people are affected by poor mental health, and this ride has been a great way for Darren and John to remember their friends.”

You can see posts from Darren and John’s journey by visiting www.facebook.com/ TheBigMindRide and you can sponsor the pair at www.just- giving.com/MINDRide2016

For more information about the work of Mind, call 01823- 276892 or visit www.mindtws.org.uk to see the full range of services.